What Is the Blue Cave Near Dubrovnik?
The Blue Cave (Modra Spilja) is a sea cave on the southern coast of Kolocep island, just 20 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik. When sunlight enters through an underwater opening, the entire cave interior glows an electric blue. Unlike the famous Blue Cave on Bisevo (5+ hours from Dubrovnik), this one is close, free to enter, and far less crowded.
Most organised Blue Cave tours from Dubrovnik cost €50-80 per person and spend only 15 minutes at the cave. With a private boat from RentBoatDubrovnik.com, you stay as long as you want, swim inside the cave, and combine it with the Elafiti Islands, hidden beaches, or a sunset cruise.
How to Reach the Blue Cave by Private Boat
The Blue Cave is on the south side of Kolocep island. From Marina Frapa in Dubrovnik:
- Distance: approximately 6 nautical miles
- Travel time: 20-30 minutes depending on boat speed
- Navigation: Head northwest toward Kolocep. Pass the main harbour (Donje Celo) and continue around the south side of the island. The cave entrance is a narrow opening in the cliff face — your skipper knows exactly where it is.
A skipper is highly recommended for this route as the cave entrance requires careful boat handling. All skippers at RentBoatDubrovnik.com are included free of charge.
Best Boats for the Blue Cave Trip
- Barracuda 530 — €180/day. Small enough to enter the cave, fast enough for the open-water crossing.
- Barracuda 545 — €200/day. Slightly larger, seats 6. Good balance of size and agility.
- Quicksilver 675 — €300/day. Cannot enter the cave but anchors nearby while you swim in. Best for combining with the full Elafiti route.
- Cap Camarat 6.5 — €300/day. Premium comfort, ideal if you want the Blue Cave as part of a longer day trip.
Check our pricing page for half-day rates if you only want the Blue Cave and a quick swim.
When to Visit — Timing Matters
The blue glow inside the cave depends on the angle of sunlight entering through the underwater passage. Optimal conditions:
- Best time of day: 10:00 to 13:00 when the sun is high and shining from the south-east
- Best months: June through September. The sun angle is highest and the sea is calmest.
- Calm seas required: If there is a swell from the south (Jugo wind), the cave entrance can be dangerous. Your skipper will check conditions before departure.
- Arrive early: Tour boats start arriving around 10:30. Get there by 10:00 for the cave to yourself.
Swimming Inside the Blue Cave
Unlike the Bisevo Blue Cave where swimming is not allowed, you can swim freely inside the Kolocep Blue Cave. The water is about 4 metres deep, crystal clear, and pleasantly cool. Bring a mask and snorkel — the underwater light effects are extraordinary.
The cave is roughly 20 metres long and 10 metres wide. There is a small pebble beach at the back where you can sit. Spend 20-30 minutes here before continuing your trip.
Combine the Blue Cave with Other Destinations
The Blue Cave works best as the first stop on a longer boat day:
- Blue Cave + Elafiti Islands: Visit the cave on Kolocep, then continue to Lopud and Sipan. See our full Elafiti guide.
- Blue Cave + Lokrum: Cave in the morning, Lokrum Island in the afternoon. Easy half-day combo.
- Blue Cave + Hidden Beaches: After the cave, explore the hidden beaches along the coast back to Dubrovnik.
- Blue Cave + Sunset: Start at 10 AM, finish with a sunset cruise past the Old Town.
No licence required — our free skipper handles everything. Read our no-licence guide for more details.
Is the Dubrovnik Blue Cave the same as the one on Bisevo?
No. The Bisevo Blue Cave is on the island of Vis, over 5 hours from Dubrovnik by boat. The Kolocep Blue Cave near Dubrovnik is just 20 minutes away, free to enter, and you can swim inside — which is not allowed at Bisevo.
How much does a private Blue Cave boat trip cost?
A full-day trip including the Blue Cave starts at €180 with the Barracuda 530. For a group of 4, that is €45 per person for an 8-hour private trip — less than most group tours that only last 3 hours.
Can I enter the Blue Cave with any boat?
Smaller boats like the Barracuda 530 and 545 can enter the cave directly. Larger boats anchor outside and you swim in through the entrance. Your skipper will guide you based on conditions.
Is the Blue Cave safe for children?
The cave itself is calm and sheltered. Children who can swim confidently (usually age 8+) can enter with a life jacket. For younger children, stay on the boat while adults swim in. See our family boat guide for kid-friendly routes.
See the Blue Cave on your own schedule. Browse all boats or call +385 91 600 1201 to book.
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